Walgreens, a retail pharmacy giant, reported lower-than-expected earnings for the third quarter of 2024 and reduced its full-year profit forecast due to challenges in the pharmacy and U.S. consumer environment. CEO Tim Wentworth noted that consumers are hesitant due to high prices, even if some are not increasing. The company's adjusted earnings outlook for the year is now $2.80 to $2.95 per share, down from the previous $3.20 to $3.35 per share. Despite the disappointing earnings, Walgreens exceeded revenue expectations for the quarter, driven by strong performance in its health-care segment. The company is focusing on cost-cutting measures, including plans to close underperforming stores in the U.S. Going forward, Walgreens aims to shift from a drugstore to a health-care company, emphasizing the importance of its healthcare business division.